Scheme to introduce children to books

Published:16:19Thursday 22 September 2011

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A NEW initiative will help introduce children to the wonderful world of books.

The Bookstart Bear Club has been designed to encourage families with young children to make the most of their local library. The club is open to children aged up to the age of four, with members receiving a paw print stamp each time they return a book or attend a story or rhyme time activity in the library.

As they collect paw prints they will be awarded certificates, with a special certificate from Bookstart once they have completed the scheme.

Coun Patricia Bradwell, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for Children’s Services, said: “Books can spark a child’s imagination and are fantastic fun. “Even children too young to follow the story will enjoy listening to you read to them and it will help them get to grips with the basic sounds, rhythms and rhymes of language. Not only is sharing books a great way to bond with your child, it’s also beneficial for their emotional wellbeing and future learning.

“The Bookstart Bear Club is the ideal way to make sure they get hooked on reading early on.”

Launch events will be taking place at selected libraries across the county towards the end of the month.

To learn more about the initiative, go to www.bookstart.org.uk or call 01522 782010.